Buried In Rubble: On The Afghanistan Earthquake

Buried In Rubble: On The Afghanistan Earthquake 3 Sep 2025

Buried In Rubble: On The Afghanistan Earthquake
  • On September 1, 2025, Afghanistan experienced an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province.
    • The tremor was followed by multiple aftershocks, including one of magnitude 4.7, around 140 km from the epicenter.
    • The disaster has left more than 1,400 people dead and at least 3,100 injured.

Epicentre and Affected Areas in Afghanistan

  • The primary tremor originated at a shallow depth of eight kilometres, making its impact more destructive.
  • The worst-affected provinces are Kunar and Nangarhar, where rescue teams are struggling to locate survivors and retrieve bodies trapped under rubble.

Challenges in Relief Operations in Afghanistan

  • Limited Resources: Rescue operations are hampered by Afghanistan’s limited resources and poor infrastructure.
  • Sanctions: The ruling Taliban regime faces multiple sanctions, which further restricts the flow of international aid and equipment.
  • Withdrawal of US: The problem has been compounded since the withdrawal of the United States in 2021, leaving the country more vulnerable to disasters.

International Response

  • The United Nations and several international humanitarian agencies have expressed condolences and pledged support.
  • Relief efforts are being mobilised to provide medical care, food, and temporary shelters to survivors.

Afghanistan’s Earthquake Vulnerability

  • Afghanistan lies in the seismically active Hindu Kush region at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
  • Since 1900, the country has witnessed at least 12 earthquakes with magnitudes above 7 in its north-eastern region.
  • In October 2023, Herat province was devastated by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake and aftershocks, which killed over 1,500 people and damaged or destroyed 63,000 homes.

Comparisons with Other Regions

  • Despite similar magnitudes, earthquakes cause far less destruction in other parts of the world due to better preparedness.
  • In February 2025, Delhi recorded a quake of magnitude 4 at a depth of five kilometres but no physical damage was reported.
  • Chile, which frequently faces earthquakes above magnitude 6, suffers minimal damage due to strict enforcement of building codes.

Way Forward For Afghanistan

  • Preventive Measures: Earthquakes need not always result in mass casualties if preventive measures are taken.
    • Afghanistan must adopt and strictly enforce earthquake-resistant building codes to minimise future damage.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns on safety measures and disaster preparedness must be prioritised to reduce vulnerability.
Mains Practice

Q. The Hindu Kush–Himalayan region, including Afghanistan, is among the most seismically active zones in the world. In light of the recent Afghanistan earthquake, discuss the reasons for the high frequency and intensity of earthquakes in this region. Suggest measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters. (10 Marks, 150 words)

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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